St. Paul’s
River is located on a serene bay sheltered by a cluster of islands,
near the mouth of a world-class salmon-fishing river by the same
name. The village is one of the oldest settlements on the Lower
North Shore. The river was once known as Eskimo River, after the
Inuit who lived near its mouth. In the early 18th century, the king
of France granted a fishing, hunting and trading concession to nobleman
Amador Godefroy, Sieur de St-Paul, who hailed from Trois-Rivières,
Quebec. The seigneurial rights changed hands several times between
various arrivals from Britain and the Jersey Islands. Other early
settlers in St. Paul’s River were of French Canadian, Inuit
and Newfoundland origin. Many of today’s residents still work
in the fishing industry.

St. Paul's River

THE
INVENTION OF THE COD TRAP

St. Paul’s River’s claim to fame is
that it was the site of an invention that revolutionized the cod
fishing industry in Eastern Canada. In 1871, Massachusetts-born
William Henry Whiteley invented the cod trap while running a substantial
cod and salmon fishing operation on Bonne Espérance Island,
7 kilometres (4 miles) from the village. The cod trap came to be
recognized as the most labour and cost efficient method ever designed
for cod fishing.

Jumper

WHAT TO SEE

St. Paul’s
River Overlook: On your way
in to St. Paul’s River, be sure to pull off Route 138
at the overlook for a sweeping, dramatic view of the coastal
landscape and village below. Picnic tables and benches are available.

Offshore Islands
and Coves: View the site of
Whiteley’s extensive fishing operations on Bonne
Espérance Island. Learn about 16th century Frenchwoman
Marguerite de la Roque, who was marooned on Île
de la Demoiselle according to local lore, and Eskimo
Island, site of a major battle between the Innu and
the Inuit in the 17th century. Historic houses and wharves are
still standing at Salmon Bay, once a year-round
community and now a popular summer spot for residents.

Whiteley Museum:
Begin your visit of St. Paul’s with an orientation to
local history and landscape at the Whiteley
Museum, which was named in honour of William H. Whiteley,
inventor of the cod trap in 1871. Through this invention, Whiteley
revolutionized cod fishing throughout Eastern Canada. The museum
interprets the cod trap, the Whiteley family, and the fascinating
natural and cultural history of the region. It features a model
of Whiteley’s extensive fishing installations on Bonne
Espérance Island, near St. Paul’s River. The museum
also houses a small craft and souvenir shop.

Miss Brodie’s Hill Trail:
Located at the back of the community, Miss Brodie’s Hill
can be scaled via a short but steep trail. The hill was named
after the first schoolteacher in St. Paul’s River, who lived
in a house on the side of the hill. At the top, the view of the
bay and surrounding islands is nothing short of beautiful!

Shoreline Boardwalk Trail: This
wooden boardwalk extends the full length of the community, and
provides an exceptional view of colourful hand-crafted boats in
the scenic bay. This trail is a wonderful opportunity to
take a relaxing walk along the shoreline, taking in the sights
and tranquility of a very picturesque area. You will likely
meet up with a resident along the way, who can fill you in on
any local events taking place.

Boat tours: Nothing compares
to visiting the many nearby islands and coves by boat with a local
tour operator who can regale you with the legends and mysteries
associated with each.